Benni McCarthy: Why Calm Will Be Key for Kenya Against Madagascar in CHAN Quarterfinal

The Harambee Stars are on the cusp of rewriting their football history books as they gear up for a historic clash against Madagascar in the quarterfinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on Friday.

For the first time in 38 years, Kenya has reached the knockout stages of a major continental tournament, and the atmosphere in Nairobi is electric.

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Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, however, is urging his players not to get carried away by the moment.

“This is a massive occasion not just for the players and coaches, but for the country as well,” McCarthy said on Thursday.

“None of these players has ever been at this stage before, so the most important thing is to stay calm and not let the weight of the moment overwhelm us.”

Kenya’s march to the quarterfinals has been impressive. Playing all their group matches at Kasarani, the Harambee Stars collected 10 points from four matches — three wins and a draw — finishing unbeaten.

That consistency has built belief within the camp, but McCarthy knows the test ahead is sterner. Madagascar, after all, topped a group featuring continental heavyweights Morocco and DR Congo.

“We know we’re up against a tough opponent. But if you look at the opposition we faced in our group, it wasn’t easy either. That gives us confidence,” the South African coach explained.

The Kenyan players are equally determined to maintain their composure. Right-back Daniel Sakari, who plies his trade with Kenya Police FC, underscored the need to remain focused on the task at hand.

“We’re not distracted by the noise from fans or social media. Our eyes are firmly on the game. We’ve analyzed Madagascar and we know what to expect. The target is clear: to get a result and reach the semifinals. We’ll play to our strengths and exploit their weaknesses,” Sakari noted.

Madagascar, on the other hand, carry the confidence of a side unafraid of big occasions. They were one of the stories of CHAN 2022 in Algeria, storming into the semifinals before eventually securing the bronze medal.

“We’re here because of hard work, and facing Kenya at home will be tough. But that motivates us even more,” head coach Romuald Felix Rakotondrabe said.

“Kenya are strong technically and tactically, very compact and quick in transition. It won’t be easy, but this is a quarterfinal — anything can happen, even away from home.”

Forward Nantenaina ‘Tony’ Elysee Randriamanampisoa echoed that sentiment, insisting the partisan atmosphere at Kasarani would not shake their confidence.

“We know it will be a difficult atmosphere with the fans behind Kenya, but we see it as motivation. Our focus is to win and continue making history,” he said.

While Kenya have thrived at home, Madagascar will be playing in new territory after completing their group matches in Dar es Salaam.

Rakotondrabe revealed that his team has already acclimatized to Nairobi’s weather and altitude, saying: “My players are ready for battle.”

Both teams may be motivated by history, but only one will walk off the Kasarani pitch on Friday night a step closer to continental glory.